Driving Cost from Des Moines, Iowa to Charles City, Iowa

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Budgeting Your Road Trip: The Cost of Driving from Des Moines, Iowa to Charles City, Iowa Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Des Moines to Charles City? It’s a great idea! With beautiful scenery along the way, you’ll enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. But before you hit the road, let’s break down the costs so you can budget effectively. Here, we'll explore a couple of different routes, the distance, time, and cost associated with each option.

Route 1: The Quick Route via I-35 N

This route is the most direct and usually the quickest. If you’re in a hurry, this is the way to go!

  • Distance: 127 miles
  • Time: 2 hours
  • Gas Prices: Currently, gas prices in Iowa average about $3.20 per gallon.

Assuming your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need roughly 5.1 gallons of gas. Therefore, the total cost for this route will be approximately:

  • Cost: $16.32

Keep in mind, this route has no tolls, which is an added bonus!

Route 2: The Scenic Route via IA-9 W

If you prefer a more scenic drive, consider taking the IA-9 W route. This route offers some beautiful views and a couple of small towns where you can make a pit stop.

  • Distance: 140 miles
  • Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Gas Prices: Just like the first route, we’ll use the average gas price of $3.20 per gallon.

With a similar vehicle efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 5.6 gallons for this route, resulting in a total gas cost of:

  • Cost: $17.92

This route might take a bit longer, but if you’re not pressed for time, the extra scenery and roadside stops can make it well worth it. Like the previous route, there are no tolls, making it a straightforward option.

Conclusion

When deciding how to travel from Des Moines to Charles City, you’ll want to consider both time and cost. Opting for the 127-mile I-35 N route costs around $16.32 and gets you there in about 2 hours. In contrast, the 140-mile IA-9 W route offers a more picturesque drive at an estimated cost of $17.92 and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

In the end, each route has its charms, so choose according to your preferences and enjoy the ride! Safe travels!